Emergency Management Director

Emergency Management Director Monitors Storm Activity as Severe Weather Moves Through Del Rio

By Texas Times Staff
DEL RIO, TX — As severe weather moved through the Del Rio area Tuesday, March 10, bringing heavy rain, wind, and hail, the Texas Times was present inside the City of Del Rio Emergency Operations Center, where Emergency Management Coordinator Amanda Aldaco closely monitored the storm and coordinated with local and regional officials to ensure public safety.
Aldaco explained that during severe weather events, emergency management remains active around the clock, even outside normal working hours.
“Whenever a storm is coming, whether it’s at six in the evening or midnight, I have to be watching it,” Aldaco said. “Even if I’m not physically in the Emergency Operations Center, I’m at home with my laptops open, my iPad, my phone, and the radio on, listening for any incidents until the storm is over.”
During the storm, Aldaco monitored multiple radar systems, weather platforms, and emergency management applications covering all of Val Verde County, not just the City of Del Rio, to determine whether alerts or public notifications needed to be issued.
She also confirmed that the City works in close communication with surrounding counties, including Maverick County, Kinney County, Uvalde County, Real County, and Edwards County, through a regional network organized by the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
According to Aldaco, emergency management coordinators in the district meet regularly to discuss preparedness, resources, and response procedures, creating a strong working relationship between counties.
“We all stay in contact with each other,” Aldaco said. “If a storm is moving through Del Rio, we notify Maverick or Kinney County, and they do the same for us. Even though I serve Del Rio, I also serve the State of Texas, and we help each other whenever needed.”
During severe weather situations, Aldaco said communication between city and county leadership is essential. When an alert is received, information is shared with Del Rio Mayor Alvaro Arreola, Val Verde County Judge Lewis Owens, and Val Verde County Emergency Management Director Roland Garza, along with other key officials.
Information is then coordinated with the City’s Public Information Officer to ensure that only clear and necessary details are released to the public.
“It’s important to give citizens the information they need, but not too much information where it becomes confusing,” Aldaco said. “We focus on the most important details so people understand what they need to do.”
Aldaco also addressed questions regarding emergency alerts sent to citizens’ phones through the City’s notification system. She explained that alerts are now sent mainly for warnings rather than watches, after some residents expressed concern about receiving too many messages in the past.
“We adjusted the system so alerts are more specific to Del Rio and only when they are necessary,” she said. “These alerts are important because they can help save lives and give people time to prepare.”
Residents who wish to sign up for emergency alerts through the City’s notification system can call 830-775-2313 for assistance.
While the storm passed through the region, Aldaco continued monitoring conditions while staying in contact with local officials and emergency personnel.
“I always try to make sure everyone is safe and prepared,” Aldaco said. “That’s the goal at the end of the day  to make sure our community is ready and protected.”
City officials emphasized that emergency operations remain ready at all times during severe weather and disaster situations, with coordination between city, county, and regional agencies playing a key role in protecting the residents of Del Rio and Val Verde County.
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